The newly organized Newark Educational Foundation (NEF) started operations with surprise visits to Newark schools presenting balloon bouquets and awards for excellence to winners of district-wide balloting to select "those who have made significant, ongoing contributions to our students, directly or indirectly this school year." Nominators were required to gather two additional signatures agreeing with the choice.

A "prize patrol" bus moved from school to school on Friday, April 29 surprising winners, co-workers and students as honorees were visited on location. At each site, co-workers and students expressed enthusiastic approval. Selections announced in classrooms were greeted with loud and sustained applause by students. When the prize patrol visited Bunker Elementary School to inform Bob Chamberlin of his selection as "Principal of the Year," a school assembly was in progress. As students and teachers learned of the award, the school showed its affection in a raucous display of heartfelt emotion.

"A Night for Music" is planned for Thursday, May 19 at the Newark Pavilion. The foundation dinner will feature the Yowza Band and students of Newark Unified. The NEF mission is "to promote educational excellence within Newark Unified School District by supporting programs in need of funding for the benefit of its students." This year, fundraising efforts will be used to sustain after-school music programs. Awards will be presented to Educators of the Year: Trish Wilson, Newark Memorial High; Hilda Aguilar, Newark Junior High; Matt Horning, Musick Elementary; Brenda Griffin, Milani Elementary; Michael Gordon, Newark Memorial High; Melinda Lasit, Newark Memorial High; Helen Bredderman, Graham Elementary, Genevieve Junette, Musick Elementary; Bob Chamberlin, Bunker Elementary; Katherine Keleher, District Office.

In addition, the City of Newark was declared winner of the "Community Partnerships" award and Milani Elementary as "School of the Year."

Awards for Excellence, A Night for MusicThursday, May 19Newark Pavilion